2026 Summer Programs

Join us for weeks of summer fun as we grow and learn together!

Elementary

(10 WEEKS for Students Entering Grades 1-9)

Many Rivers’ 2026 Elementary Summer Day Camp is a TEN-week celebration of art, science and nature for children who have completed KINDERGARTEN through NINTH grade.  Each week follows a different theme rooted in art, science or nature.  Each day provides children the opportunity to explore, learn new skills, and have fun.  The Montessori values of peace, meaningful learning and positive community help campers develop a strong self-image, sense of self-esteem and a feeling of belonging. 

MRM’s Elementary Summer program is also open to non-MRM students! Click below to register.

Registration coming soon!

Elementary Summer Program

  • Week 1: ALPHABET SOUP (6/15-6/19) No camp on Juneteenth (6/19)
  • Week 2: IT STARTS WITH ART (6/22-6/26)
  • Week 3: GLOBAL OLYMPIC GAMES (6/29-7/3)
  • Week 4: EXPLORER’S OUTPOST (7/6-7/10)
  • Week 5: IF YOUR BUILD IT… (7/13-7/17)
  • Week 5: TRAILBLAZERS ADVENTURE CAMP (7/13-7/17)
  • Week 6: THEATER – ROBIN HOOD (7/20-7/24)
  • Week 7: KITCHEN CHEMISTRY (7/27-7/31)
  • Week 8: WEAVE IT! (8/3-8/9)
  • Week 8: STEM SCIENCE (8/3-8/9)
  • Week 10: STRANGE BUT TRUE (8/10-8/14) This week is pending due to school schedules.
ALPHABET SOUP

Jump into a big bowl of fun! At Alphabet Soup Camp, every day is sprinkled with letters, words, and imagination. You will explore the alphabet through games, crafts, stories, outdoor adventures, and creative challenges. From letter art and silly word play to building giant sculptures, you will stir up learning in the most exciting way. It’s messy, magical, and full of laughter—just like a perfect bowl of soup!

IT STARTS WITH ART

Explore your creativity as you learn your own unique way to color the world
Every great idea begins with a spark of creativity—and at this camp, that spark becomes a masterpiece! You will explore painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, and more as you experiment with color, texture, and imagination. From bold murals to tiny treasures, every project helps you discover your artistic voice. This week is full of endless possibilities.

GLOBAL OLYMPIC GAMES

Travel the world—without leaving camp! Try exciting games from different countries, make team flags, learn fun facts about the places they “visit,” and compete in silly and sporty challenges. With obstacle courses, team events, and a big closing ceremony, this camp is full of movement, creativity, and global fun.

EXPLORER’S OUTPOST

Unleash your inner adventurer with the ultimate outdoor experience! Explorer’s Outpost will immerse you in nature and help you develop some impressive survival skills under the guidance of expert instructors. It isn’t just about learning—it’s about building confidence, fostering independence, and discovering a new way to connect with the natural world. Over the course of the week, you will learn some essential survival techniques like building shelters, crafting tools, tracking wildlife, building fires and navigating using the stars. This camp offers more than just hands-on skills—it’s an adventure that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, helping you gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in your abilities. No matter what your background is, from never having camped before, to the most experienced nature enthusiast, you will have a blast at this camp.

IF YOUR BUILD IT…

What do you call a piece of wood with nothing to do? Board! Well, not at this camp!  This week is a hands-on building experience designed to teach you practical woodworking skills with an emphasis on the safe use of hand tools. While constructing fun and exciting projects you will also be empowered to become an independent thinker, build confidence, self-esteem, and a repertoire of practical skills that will last you a lifetime!

GLOBAL EXPLORERS – AMAZON TO THE ARCTIC

Grab your passports, pack your ‘bags’ and get ready to embark on a global adventure across the world. You are in for an unforgettable journey! Explorers will experience a unique blend of art, science, STEM, games, and cultural immersion.

TRAILBLAZERS ADVENTURE CAMP

Trailblazers Adventure Camp is for you if you are ready to take your love of the outdoors to the next level. Designed as an introduction to backpacking, this week-long adventure immerses campers in the wild heart of Minnesota’s own Superior Hiking Trail. It’s more than just hiking and camping — it’s about building confidence, resilience, and friendships that last a lifetime.

Over the course of the week, you will prepare for your adventure at Many Rivers before you shoulder your own packs and hike into the backcountry, carrying everything you need for three days and two nights of camping under the stars. Along the way, you will prepare meals, set up tents, filter water, and tackle the real challenges of wilderness living — all with the support of Many Rivers’ caring, professional staff. Mornings might begin with a sunrise, afternoons with an adventure in a cool stream, and evenings with laughter and reflection around the campfire. It’s designed to be both challenging and rewarding — an experience that will stick with you for a lifetime.

Families can feel secure knowing that safety and support are woven into every aspect of the experience. Many Rivers staff handle logistics like food, safety and group gear, while guiding campers through each step of the trek. With years of combined backcountry experience, our staff are skilled at balancing fun with responsibility, ensuring youth feel both challenged and cared for.

At its core, Trailblazers Adventure Camp isn’t just about learning how to backpack — it’s about learning who you are when you climb a mountain, push past your comfort zone, and discover you’re capable of more than you thought possible.

THEATER – ROBIN HOOD

Many Rivers Montessori is pleased to partner with Storybook Theatre to offer a week long theater camp for you culminating in a full theatrical performance of Robin Hood on Friday afternoon! Join us for a week of theatrical intrigue where we will follow Rob and his Merry Band on their adventures in the Sherwood Forest. But, be prepared for the devious Sheriff of Nottingham because he has other plans. With King Richard away on a crusade, Prince John is in charge, giving the Sheriff free rein to do as he pleases. When he attempts to evict the Merry Band from Sherwood Forest, chaos erupts. While Maid Marian is whisked away to France for her education, Rob teams up with the daring Flora and her fierce Faeries to thwart the Sheriff’s wicked schemes. The Sheriff enlists Grunt and his gang of Gnomes to tear down Sherwood Forest, but Flora and her Faeries are ready for battle. Amidst epic clashes, the Faeries keep themselves in top fighting shape with intense workouts! Can the Sheriff and his deputies drive out Rob and his Merry Band, or will they stop the construction of the dreaded Mall of Nottingham? One thing is for sure: this show is packed with thrilling adventures and endless laughs!

Storybook Theatre is a professional touring theater company that strives to bring extraordinary theatrical experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire young artists in a professional theater environment that cultivates creativity, artistic excellence, and personal growth.

KITCHEN CHEMISTRY

Get ready to mix, whisk, fizz, and experiment at the most delicious camp of the summer! This week you will become a kitchen chemist as you explore the surprising science behind cooking through hands-on activities and edible experiments. You will create color-changing drinks, whip up hot ice cream, and glow in the dark foods while experimenting with textures using foams and gels, investigate rising reactions with balloon-powered bread dough, and design your own sweet inventions. Each day blends STEM, snacks, and creativity, leaving you excited to taste your discoveries and bring home fun new recipes to share.

WEAVE IT!

Get ready to twist, loop, knot, and weave your way through a colorful week of creativity! At Weave It Summer Camp, you will explore the amazing world of fiber arts—from simple loom weaving and friendship bracelets to collaborative wall hangings and nature-inspired baskets. Using yarn, fabric, beads, willow and found materials, you will learn new techniques while expressing your own unique style. It’s the perfect camp for you if you love hands-on art and imaginative design!

STEM SCIENCE

In this immersive fabrication-focused camp, you will learn the fundamentals of modern maker-space technology. Through guided instruction, you will design in CAD software, operate CNC machines for precision cutting, explore the art of laser engraving, and understand the process behind 3D printers. Every project blends creativity with engineering as you learn how modern makers turn imagination into innovation. By the end of the week, you will complete multiple functional and artistic projects—building both technical skills and creative confidence.

STRANGE BUT TRUE

Get ready to question everything you think you know! Did you know you can poke a stick in a balloon without popping the balloon or change the shape of an egg? This week at camp, you will investigate silly, surprising, and sometimes unbelievable myths! Through kid-friendly experiments, games, and creative challenges, you will team up to bust myths, solve “impossible” puzzles, and collect the most bizarre true facts humans have ever discovered. By the end, you’ll be full of stories that will make your family say, “THAT can’t be real.” (Spoiler: it totally is.)

ROCK THE VOTE

Get ready to cheer, chant, and choose—because it’s Rock the Vote Week! Each morning kicks off with the Great Camper Vote, where you will cast your ballot to decide the day’s activities. Will today’s winner be an epic adventure hike, a crafty DIY workshop, or a larger-than-life camp-wide game? It’s all up to you, the campers! Rock the Vote Week is filled with spirited debates, surprise underdog victories, plenty of cheers, and turns camp into a celebration of voice, choice, and community. You will learn teamwork, leadership, and creativity—while having an absolute blast deciding how we spend our day.

Children’s House

(10 WEEKS, AGES 3–6)

The Children’s House Summer Camp is a unique Many Rivers program that provides children with art and nature experiences based on Montessori principles. Throughout the summer, children will happily engage in sensory experiences while building on friendships new and old, and we will capitalize on our dual indoor and outdoor environments. We will take full advantage of what a Duluth summer offers, engaging in outdoor walks, water experiences, art, nature observations, and all-around summer FUN!

Students will be divided between two Children’s House classrooms, serving their optimal development through mixed-aged groupings. Our incredible educators will lead and assist these groups at different times during the summer. Together, our staff will collaborate to provide a summer program that sparks your child’s curiosity about the world and captivates their flourishing interests.

Camp will run five days a week from June 11th through August 15 (there is no camp on June 9th, 10th, & 19th along with July 3rd & 4th – these weeks will be prorated). The camp day is 8:30–3:30, with morning care available from 7:30–8:30 and aftercare from 3:15–5:30. Enrollment is only open to enrolled Many Rivers students – including entering Children’s House students.

Confirmations will be sent the week of February 3rd. After February 3rd, registrations are processed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis.

Toddler

(10 Weeks, 16 MONTHS–3 YEARS OLD)

Just as with the school year program, the goal of Many Rivers Montessori’s Toddler Summer Program is to provide a home-like, loving environment, where children’s abilities and needs are respected and met. The format is similar to the school year program. After the two-hour morning work cycle, the children may play outside in the beautiful outdoor environment created especially for them. They have a lunch which encompasses family rituals. After lunch, toddlers are given the opportunity to nap or rest. The afternoon portion of the day also provides ample opportunities for outside play and care of the outdoor environment.

MRM’s Toddler summer program meets June 11 through August 15, Monday–Friday (there is no camp on June 9th, 10th, & 19th along with July 3rd & 4th – these weeks will be prorated) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Before and aftercare is also available. The Toddler summer program is limited to current MRM students.

Confirmations will be sent the week of February 3rd. After February 3rd, registrations are processed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis.

Weekly Program Rates 2026

Elementary Program

  • elementary morning care 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. TBD
  • elementary full-day 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.     TBD
  • elementary afternoon care 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. TBD
  • elementary afternoon care 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. TBD 

Children’s House Program

  • children’s house morning care 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. TBD
  • children’s house full-day 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.     TBD
  • children’s house half-day 8:30 – noon     TBD 
  • (Not available for Track 2/Kindergarten)
  • children’s house afternoon care 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. TBD
  • children’s house afternoon care 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. TBD

Toddler Program

  • toddler morning care 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. TBD
  • toddler full-day 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.   TBD
  • toddler afternoon care 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. TBD
  • toddler afternoon care 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. TBD

Important Summer Enrollment Information:

All programs run through June 15th to August 21st.

Students sign up in advance, by the week, as either half day or full day (for CH1 & CH2). You may sign your child up for any number of weeks, there is no minimum enrollment. Costs for the Summer Program are in addition to yearly tuition.

Enrollment in the Toddler (16-35 months) Summer Program is limited to current MRM students. Full day options are available, along with before and after care.

Enrollment in the Children’s House (3 to 6-year-olds) Summer Program is limited to current MRM students and those who are enrolled to attend in the fall. Full and half day options are available, along with before and after care.

Our Elementary Summer Program is for MRM students as well as non-MRM students! Those who have completed any level, Kindergarten through Sixth grade, are eligible. Before and after care is available.

Important Registration and Billing Policies:

The 2026 Summer Programs, a 25% non-refundable deposit will be due for all registered weeks. As in the past, families are able to drop specific weeks with 30 days advanced notice but are now subject to the 25% non-refundable deposit portion. Deposits will be invoiced within 10 business days of receiving registration confirmation. Your spot is not reserved until your deposit is paid.

Registration confirmations will be sent the week of February 3rd. After February 3rd, registrations are processed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis.

At this time financial aid awards are not applied to summer programming.

Invoicing schedule:

  • May 15th: Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • June 15th: Weeks 5, 6, 7, and 8.
  • July 15th: Weeks 9 and 10.

Space is limited! Please reach out to melissa.anderson@manyriversmontessori.org to inquire about camp availability!

Summer Program Policies

Arrival
  • Toddlers and Children’s House children are walked to the door by parents, but parents do not enter the building.
  • Staff will escort your child into the door – whether to the front door for Keene or patio doors for Chester and Tischer. Sometimes drop off is directly to the playground. If a staff person is not visible, call the front desk, and someone will meet you.
  • Toddlers enter from Faribault Street, and Children’s House uses Redwing Street.
  • Please ensure your child arrives on time so they can receive instructions for the start of the day.
  • Summer program begins at 8:30 am. (Morning care starts at 7:30 am.)
  • Drop-off is between 8:15 am and 8:30 am.
Dismissal
  • Dismissal occurs at either 11:50-12:00 pm for half day or 3:30-3:40 pm for full day.
  • Children’s House children are picked up using the loop to access the front or patio doors, or sometimes the playground.
  • Toddlers are picked up from the playground gate on Faribault Street.
  • Late fees apply if your child is not picked up on time (see late pick-up policy).
  • Aftercare runs until 5:30, and children are picked up from the playground or by contacting the front desk so your child can be escorted to you inside the breezeway.

Please contact the school if there is a change in your arrival or pick-up time.

Late Pickup Policy

This policy applies to ALL dismissal times. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that children are picked up from camp promptly at dismissal time. The staff appreciates your punctuality. We recognize that there are sometimes unavoidable challenges that arise, causing a driver to be late. If your child is not picked up by 3:40 pm (Full Day), you will be charged the drop-in childcare rate. If you are using Aftercare and are late to pick up your child, the drop-in rate also applies. Pick-up after 5:30 results in a $1/minute charge. If this is a repeated occurrence, you may be asked to withdraw your child from the camp with no refund owed.Please contact the school if there is a change in your arrival or pick-up time.

Behavior

Many Rivers Montessori believes that the consequences for inappropriate behavior should be related to the problem behavior. MRM staff will approach the issue through logical consequences, recognizing the importance of the child’s responsibility in conflict resolution. The consequences are dealt with as positively as the situation allows. When merited, Many Rivers Montessori’s staff may speak with parents, develop a behavior plan, and/or remove a child from the summer program. Certain behaviors are not accepted in any circumstances. Swearing, recurrent biting or other aggressive behavior (hitting, kicking), threats of violence to others or property, or a persistently defiant attitude are not tolerated at the Many Rivers summer program, and may be cause for dismissal.

Clothing

Clearly mark your child’s name on ALL clothing. As a general guideline, children should be dressed in comfortable clothes that allow for sitting on the floor and ease of movement. All children should dress appropriately for the weather. Please see the summer gear list for more information.

Lunch, Snack, and Nutrition Policy

Each child should bring a nutritious peanut and tree nut-free lunch each day. Milk is provided at lunch for all children. Water is also provided, but children should also have a water bottle. MRM does not allow soda, juice boxes, unhealthy sugary snacks or candy at camp.

Lunch must include three food groups in addition to the milk that is served. If a child’s lunch does not include the appropriate number of food groups or a reasonable quantity, MRM is required to supplement what the child has brought. The food groups are:

  • Vegetable/Fruit
  • Bread/Bread Substitute (Includes cornbread, pasta, cooked grains)
  • Meat/Meat Substitute (Includes cheese, beans, eggs, yogurt)

Please send food from all food groups as good nutrition helps your child focus and participate fully in the summer program experience. It is essential to keep in mind that Many Rivers Montessori prohibits peanuts and tree nuts and accommodates other diagnosed food allergies in its school population. MRM’s Allergy Guide can be found here.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel your child’s registration, a full refund (less a $20 processing fee per camper) will only be given if a replacement camper is available from a waiting list AND the program is notified at least 30 days prior to the start of that camp session.

Field Trips

Children’s House children will be taken on short walks to a nearby park or garden and will not travel in any vehicles. All children will at all times be escorted by staff at the appropriate teacher-to-student ratio for that age group. 

Summer Gear List

All Gear List
  • Lunch (Note: Heating and refrigeration is not available. Many Rivers is an allergy-aware school and prohibits peanuts and tree nuts. Follow this link to access the allergy policy.)
  • Sunscreen clearly labeled with child’s name 
  • Rain gear
  • Water bottle (remains at school for daily cleaning and sanitizing)
  • Hat with visor
  • Swimsuit/water clothes and water shoes
  • Towel
  • Wet Bag
  • Inside and outside shoes (Outside shoes to be closed-toe)
  • Nap Gear – If Applicable
  • Changes of clothing (including underwear and socks)
    • 2–3 changes for Children’s House
    • 4 changes for Toddlers w/six pairs of underwear
Nap Gear

If your child takes a nap, please bring a small pillow & blanket, or nap mat that can be left for the week.

Emergencies

PLEASE MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOUR CHILD’S EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION IS CURRENT.

If your child has an emergency at camp, we will call you at work or at home.  If you need to get a hold of your child, both in an emergency and non-emergency, calls should be directed to the front desk.  If the children are not in the building, the school will contact the teachers to get the message to the child.

Contact

If you have specific concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact Many Rivers Montessori at 218.464.5570 or info@manyriversmontessori.org.

Nondiscrimination Statement as to Students

Many Rivers Montessori values diversity in every aspect of the school community. It is the policy of MRM not to discriminate in violation of the law on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in the administration of its admissions policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs and other school-related programs.